Glycosaminoglycans in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontal class II furcation involvement before and after guided tissue regeneration. A pilot study

Background: The levels of glycosaminoglycans in gingival crevicular fluid ( GCF) are good indicators of underlying tissue turnover. We hypothesize that connective tissue elements in GCF may be used as indicators of tissue matu ration underneath barrier membranes. Therefore, we investigated the levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in GCF at sites before and after guided tiss ue regeneration (GTR). Methods: Six patients were selected on the basis of having at least one Cla ss II buccal furcation involvement on a molar tooth. Each molar furcation w as treated with the standard GTR surgical protocol using a non-resorbable e xpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, Gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken at baseline (immediately prior to insertion of the membrane) an d at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks (immediately prior to removal of the membra ne). Glycosaminoglycan levels were determined using an Alcian blue dye dete ction system. Results: The mean levels of chondroitin sulfate and total sulfated glycosam inoglycans in GCF significantly decreased during the first 4 weeks after GT R surgery. By week 5, the levels began to rise, and by week 6 the levels ha d returned to baseline levels. Conclusions: Sulfated glycosaminoglycans can be monitored in GCF at healing GTR sites. It is proposed that this is a useful means of monitoring the st atus of the regenerating tissues. However, further longitudinal studies are required to assess if the sulfated glycosaminoglycans can be used as indic ators of tissue maturation under guided tissue membranes used to treat peri odontal defects.